Sports have been close before.  This year, they finished 3 points behind in second.  They definitely want an Ultimate Division title to displace the Libbies as the best in Philadelphia.

Columbia Challenge Cup 1916
Both Old Nassau 1869 and Philadelphia Sports had doubles on their mind as they traveled to Montgomery, Alabama to play in the Columbia Challenge Cup.  The former, Ultimate Division champions, and the latter, AFA Cup champions, were both eager to add another entry to their banner.  Joining them would be the host, Southern Regional Division champion Montgomery Lightning Booters, as well as the Western Regional Division champion Los Angeles Pumpjacks.  The draw, as usual, put the Ultimate and AFA Cup champions in different semi-finals.

Philadelphia Sports came out flat against the Pumpjacks, allowing to Los Angeles to jump out to a three-goal lead.  While the AFA Cup final hero Peter Larson pulled two goals back for the Sports, it was not enough.  In the other semi-final, Old Nassau 1869 had a relatively easy time with the hosts, pulling into halftime with a two-goal margin and not being threatened in the second half.

In the final, Old Nassau 1869 showed their prowess by thoroughly dominating the Pumpjacks, forcing the Westerners to chase all over the field in vain efforts to regain possession.  With a few exquisitely played attacks, the Orange-and-Black notched two goals and the Columbia Challenge Cup.
 

At the year-end meeting of the AAAFL, President Arthur Irwin announced the various competition trophies would be named for individuals who have done meritorious work for the game in general and league in particular.

Brown continued.  “Now, I have a confession to make.  The AAAFL board held a meeting without you being present.  Before, you get upset, let me just say that it is my distinct honor to announce that the board of the All-American Association Football League has unanimously voted to name the championship trophy of the Ultimate Division after you, my dear friend.  Henceforth, the trophy presenting the Ultimate Division will be known as the Arthur Irwin Trophy.”

Preaseason 1916-1917
From AAAFL headquarters in Philadelphia, AAAFL President Arthur Irwin began his Preseason Announcements with an introduction of the three new clubs that had been promoted from the Sectional Divisions – Jonkheers FC of Younkers, NY; Cincinnati Teutonia;  and South Bend (Indiana) Ceilteach.  He also noted that Scranton Electric City had secured promotion again to the Eastern Regional Division.